Master of Midwifery | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Master of Midwifery

*** Note: new program commencing Semester 1 2013.

  • Qualify for registration as a midwife
  • Gain extensive clinical experience
  • Work in maternity care settings across Australia

Program summary

Program title: Master of Midwifery
Award abbreviation:
MMid
Degree type: coursework
Study mode: on campus (blended)
Duration: 1.5 years full-time or equivalent part-time, Semester 2 entry part-time only
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Applications close: 31 October, 2012, for study commencing Semester 1, 2013
                               TBA, for study commencing Semester 2, 2013
Please note: Applications for Registered Midwives wishing to upgrade their qualification, may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Fee type 2013: Commonwealth supported places, postgraduate coursework places
Total courses: 10 (144 units)
USC program code: SC723
CRICOS code: Not available to International students on a Student Visa.

Work as a trained professional in maternity care settings.

The Master of Midwifery program gives you the opportunity to develop a solid foundation of knowledge in maternal, fetal and neonatal anatomy and physiology, as well as clinical diagnostic approaches, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. In this program you will focus on contemporary approaches to women’s health, maternity and infant care as well as an emphasis on the social, psychological, emotion, spiritual and cultural factors that influence health and wellbeing during the childbearing years.

This program is designed to offer two educational pathways.

Pathway 1 (Pre registration) † provides the opportunity for Registered Nurses to develop the knowledge, skill and aptitude necessary for entry to midwifery practice in Australia. On the completion of this program you will be able to demonstrate achievement of the ANMC National Competency Standards for the Midwife and be eligible to apply for registration as a midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Australian Health Practitioners Regulatory Agency.

† External Accreditation from NMBA for this Pathway is still pending.

Pathway 2 (Post registration) provides the opportunity for Registered Midwives to continue professional development and attain a postgraduate qualification. On completion of the program you will demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills for midwifery practice.

Admission requirements

Pathway 1 †

Applicants will normally have a degree in nursing or related discipline and be registered as a Division 1 Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

† External Accreditation from NMBA for this Pathway is still pending.

Pathway 2

Applicants will normally have a degree in nursing, midwifery or related discipline and be registered as a nurse and / or midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).

Professional recognition

Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and will be eligible to apply for membership of The Australian College of Midwives.

Registration

Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as a midwife in Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia has a number of registration standards. Graduates must demonstrate that they meet these standards in order to be eligible for registration.

Graduates must demonstrate English language skills at IELTS level 7 (7 in all bands) or equivalent before being considered for professional registration. Test results from relevant examinations will generally need to be obtained within two years prior to applying for registration.

Refer to the Nursing and Midwifery Board website for registration information.

Enquiries

Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: sheinfo@usc.edu.au

Program structure

Program requirements and notes
  • Students are required to complete 10 courses as listed below.
  • Evidence of Hepatitis B vaccination is required.
  • Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including, for example, essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, and examinations.  
  • Some courses in this program require project work and/or independent study and therefore have limited on-campus contact. Please refer to individual course descriptions.  
  • When enrolling, please refer to the relevant Study Plan:
    • Study Plan for Registered Nurses wishing to become Midwives (Pathway 1) †
    • Study Plan for Registered Midwives wishing to upgrade qualifications (Pathway 2)
Registered Nurses wishing to become Midwives (Pathway 1) †
Students are required to complete the following 10 courses (144 units)

NUR700 Professional Internship
NUR702 Independent Study
NUR703 Mental Health Contexts of Care
NUR704 Assessment in Mental Health
NUR710 Advanced Health Assessment
NUR712 Theory for Midwifery Practice 1
NUR713 Fundamentals of Midwifery Knowledge
NUR721 Infant Care
NUR729 Leadership in Practice Development
NUR730 Theory for Midwifery Practice

† External Accreditation from NMBA for this Pathway is still pending.

Registered Midwives wishing to upgrade qualifications (Pathway 2)
Students are required to complete the following 10 courses (144 units)

NUR700 Midwifery in a Social Context
NUR703 Independent Study
NUR704 Research in Health Care
NUR710 Midwifery Practicum 1
NUR712 Midwifery Practicum 2
NUR713 Theory for Midwifery Practice 1
NUR721 Infant Care
NUR729 Leadership in Practice Development
NUR730 Theory for Midwifery Practice

Plus one (1) of the following courses

NUR708 Midwifery in a Social Context
NUR709 Independent Study

Study Plan

When enrolling, please refer to the relevant Study Plan:

  • Study Plan for Registered Nurses wishing to become Midwives (Pathway 1) †
  • Study Plan for Registered Midwives wishing to upgrade qualifications (Pathway 2)

† External Accreditation from NMBA for this Pathway is still pending.

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